Boissevain-Morton council used a face to face meeting with MLA Doyle Piwniuk on Thursday to talk to him about several issues of concern for the council.

First up was getting a program in place that would allow local municipalities to control the lake level on Whitewater Lake. For several years a group of municipalities has been working on a plan to have something put in place that would allow a way of controlling water levels.

“We talked last year about making something happen and here it is a year later and still no progress” said councillor Lonnie Graham.

Arthur-Virden MLA Doyle Piwniuk pointed out the province is trying to reduce red tape and bring in legislation that would make it easier for changes to happen. “We also have to make sure we do this right because we don’t want any law suits” said Piwniuk.

Boissevain-Morton’s head of council David Stead stressed the need for something to happen as soon as possible or there could be a real disaster.

“If the perfect storm hit with a wet fall, lots of snow, a quick melt and strong winds it could put Deloraine under water.”

Councillor Elmer McCallum told Piwniuk no matter what happens another section of prime agricultural land will be taken out of production because of water problems caused by Whitewater Lake.

All sides agreed the quickest and easiest way to move forward is to pump the water out of the lake and down Medora Creek. The municipality plans to pursue the project with government departments and work at getting a pumping project in place.

Thursday’s discussions also focused on EMS changes, cannabis and lagoons.

Boissevain-Morton in 2017 put together a business case defending why the municipality should be able to keep its ambulance service. The province last summer announced plans to revamp EMS and Boissevain is slated to lose its station.

“We are trying to increase the presence of paramedic coverage because right now there is a false sense of security with EMS” said Doyle Piwniuk.

Councillors wanted to know how hard Piwniuk was pushing their case.

“We are working on an assisted living facility and we want seniors to feel secure. The municipality shouldn’t have to set up its own service that just isn’t right. We aren’t just a dot on the map and our business case justifies why we should maintain the service” said councillor Judy Swanson.

Doyle Piwniuk admitted Boissevain-Morton put forward a good business case and there has been growth in the region not to mention the amount of traffic along area highways.

Council told Piwniuk a meeting with the Health Minister is on the wish list.

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